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Dogs endlessly surprise and delight us, and one of the reasons for that is how intelligent they are. From rescue dogs to support animals, they're our best friends because they can keep us on our toes and support us when times get tough.
Canine intelligence is quite a complicated topic, and certain breeds express it more than others. But this doesn't necessarily mean the breeds we consider the smartest are the smartest - a lot still depends on personality, environment and other factors.
But there's a link between breed and intelligence, so if you want the challenge of owning a smart dog, there are some clear choices.
Here, we'll help you understand what dog intelligence is, the dogs that are usually the smartest and the benefits and challenges of owning one.
Understanding dog intelligence
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Dogs are intelligent. Even if you feel like yours isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, it's relatively intelligent on the mammal scale.
Some researchers say dogs are about as intelligent as a two-year-old human, while others place their emotional intelligence as greater than chimps.
We do measure canine intelligence differently than our own, though. Researchers see dog intelligence as the process by which they can get, understand and apply new information and concepts.
But measuring this is hard because it differs so much from species to species. Human intelligence isn't canine intelligence. So, researchers use a mix of tests to measure a dog's wits:
Problem-solving - this can be following indirect cues or solving a mental challenge, like a puzzle box.
Obedience training - this is how easily a dog follows commands, but do note that some dogs are intelligent but hard to train.
Social cognition - how well a dog understands our gestures, body language and commands.
Memory and vocabulary - this can involve memory tests, like hiding something seeing if a dog remembers where it is and testing a dog's total vocabulary (words and signals).
Adaptability - how quickly a dog adapts to new challenges and situations.
Using these, researchers can have a good assessment of a dog's intelligence. Over time, researchers found trends between a dog's results and their breed.
The top 10 smartest dog breeds
Border Collie
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Active, high energy and requiring a lot of mental stimulation, Border Collies are quick learners that excel when given new challenges every day.
It's no wonder they're still essential in sheep herding and flourish in agility competitions.
Learn more about Border Collies.
Poodle
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Poodles are highly trainable, versatile dogs that are popular around the world. They take to obedience training very well and are generally full of surprises.
They have a long history of working in circuses and are a go-to choice as therapy dogs thanks to their strong emotional intelligence.
Learn more about owning a Poodle.
German Shepherd
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Loyal, protective and highly trainable, German Shepherds are commonly seen in police and military roles due to their dependability, adaptability and intelligence.
Thankfully, they aren't all serious business: see why German Shepherds are a delight to own.
Golden Retriever
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Golden Retrievers are seen as the go-to intelligent dog thanks to their friendliness and high emotional intelligence. They're praised for their patience and easy trainability, making them solid picks in therapy work and search and rescue.
Learn more in our Golden Retriever guide.
Doberman Pinscher
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If you see intelligence as alertness and adaptability, you can't really go wrong with a Doberman Pinscher. They're very fast learners, and their calmness under pressure makes them mainstays as service dogs and police work.
Learn more about Dobermans.
Shetland Sheepdog
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We're sensing a theme here: if a dog is involved in herding, it's probably pretty smart. Shetland Sheepdogs are just that.
Agile, quick to learn and at their best when mentally challenged, these graceful dogs excel in problem-solving, agility and the art of surprise.
Learn more in our Sheltie guide.
Labrador Retriever
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The friendly, versatile Labrador Retriever was bound to land on the list. Seriously - is there anything this breed can't do?
Much like Golden Retrievers, their emotional intelligence scores them highly on canine intelligence tests, making them mainstays in assistance roles and search and rescue.
Our Lab guide has everything you need if you're considering one.
Papillon
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These small, observant dogs are highly intelligent, excelling in obedience training and agility. They're frequent winners at dog shows and competitions, and they love nothing more than showing off.
It helps that they're so lovely to own too, which we chat about in our Papillon guide.
Rottweiler
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Rottweilers are very confident dogs, and this is due to their strong work ethic and adaptability. It allows them to be used in herding, guarding and police work - all hallmarks of canine intelligence.
Our in-depth Rottweiler guide covers more.
Australian Cattle Dog
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Much like their Border Collie cousins, the Australian Cattle Dog excels at herding and has a fierce streak of independence. They're a high-energy breed that needs lots of mental and physical challenges.
Our Australian Cattle Dog guide can help if you think it's the one for you.
Honourable mentions
We've limited our list to a top 10, but other intelligent dog breeds include:
Pembroke Welsh Corgi - given their working background, willingness to train and pesky nature, Pembroke Welsh Corgis rank highly on intelligence lists.
Miniature Schnauzer - these sweet, loving dogs are quietly one of the most intelligent, ranking as one of the best for learning and obeying commands.
English Springer Spaniel - highly energetic with a love for exercise and games, English Springer Spaniels are highly trainable, adaptable and love stimulation, ranking them highly on intelligence lists.
Benefits of owning a smart dog
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Owning any dog is a joy, but smart dogs bring a few benefits:
Easier training - intelligent dogs learn commands quickly, making training easier, more complex and potentially more rewarding.
Versatility - smart dogs are adaptable, meaning they can perform a variety of tasks and roles.
Companionship - intelligence can make smart dogs engaging and interactive pets throughout their life.
Challenges of owning a smart dog
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Of course, smart dog breeds come with challenges too. While they're quick to train, their brain activity leads to some issues.
Owning a smart dog can lead to challenges with:
Stimulation needs - an intelligent dog will need high levels of mental and physical stimulation.
Behavioural issues - when dogs become bored, they can become destructive, and smart dogs sure do love to get bored. Smarter dogs can get creative with their destruction, too!
Training commitment - they'll need consistent, ongoing and developing training.
Why dog insurance is the smart move
No matter if you pick a zippy Border Collie or a breed that's a little more relaxed, insurance helps you prepare for the unexpected.
Our dog insurance helps with up to £15,000 vet fee cover, unlimited 24/7 vet calls with FirstVet and a host of other perks.
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